When mint juleps are served at the Kentucky Derby, theyre made with mint simple syrup. Its a way to make the cocktails more quickly than muddling fresh mint and sugar together for each individual drink. Considering the Derby serves over 120,000 of the ice-cold cocktails during a two-day period, it makes sense they choose the simple syrup route.

If youre planning on hosting a Derby Day party, using mint simple syrup can make it easier for you to make mint juleps for your guests, too. Its quick and easy to make. Make it a few days ahead of time, freeing up even more time on Derby Day.

Mint simple syrup recipe

The recipe is a 1:1:1 ratio, meaning its equal parts water, sugar and mint leaves. Adjust the amount of the ingredients depending on how much simple syrup you want to make. Youll need one ounce of the finished simple syrup for each mint julep.

Ingredients

1 cup water
1 cup sugar
1 cup of packed mint leaves
Directions

Add water and sugar to a saucepan over medium heat. Heat until the sugar is completely dissolved into the water. Do not boil.
Remove from heat. Toss the mint leaves into the saucepan and put the lid on.
Steep the mint leaves for about 20 to 30 minutes. You may be tempted to leave them in longer for a stronger syrup, but that may result in bitterness.
Strain into a clean container with a lid. Allow to cool.
Refrigerate for up to one week.

Making mint juleps and more

Use the mint simple syrup in the second of these two mint julep recipes, throwing a few fresh leaves in for color and garnish. Dont save the syrup for the Derby Day cocktails only, though. It has many other culinary uses.

Flavor unsweetened ice tea or iced coffee.
Try it in a different cocktail, like a mojito.
Or, make Mojito Sorbet from it, with or without rum.
Minty Melon Soup Shots are great for a party on a hot day.
Make Strawberries with Mint simple Syrup and Lemon Zest to spoon over vanilla ice cream.